Controversial Jeremiah Smith Touchdown Stands After Review for Lack of Conclusive Video
Analysts said the fourth-down score should have been a touchback under replay rules.
Overview
- Big Ten referee Kole Knueppel said the booth lacked a camera angle to confirm loss of control before the goal line, so the on-field touchdown was upheld.
- The centralized replay in Indianapolis reviewed multiple angles for roughly three minutes before letting the call stand.
- Jeremiah Smith said after the game he thought he lost the ball, yet the ruling remained because indisputable video evidence was not available.
- Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said officials told him the review was inconclusive and that they believed Smith maintained control.
- The 35-yard fourth-and-5 strike from Julian Sayin gave Ohio State a 10-6 lead it never relinquished, and the Buckeyes went on to win 27-9 as former officials and commentators publicly criticized the decision.